Voltage at campground low ??

[luberhill]

Ok when I’m plugged in at home my volt meter at the door of the MH read a little above 120
Here at the camp ground with my same cord it’s barlet in the green or like 110 volt
It’s a 30amp service in the motorhome and at the campground plug ??

[valhalla360]

gbopp wrote:
Get a multimeter and learn how to use it if you don't already know.
It will give you the actual voltage, Don't depend on the gauge in your RV that gives a vague reading.

My meter plugged into a socket gives quite accurate voltage. Even better, I can check the voltage any time I glance that way rather than pulling out the multimeter and finding a place to take a reading...plus short of going up on the roof to take a reading right at the air/con, it's not going to be significantly different.

To the OP: Yes, voltage does vary both based on what's operating in your RV and what others are running in the park. Typically, low voltage is an issue on busy hot summer weekends when everyone tries to run their air/con at the same time.

As long as it's above 110v, no issues.
Down to around 107v...probably OK but a bit of a gray area.
Below 104v is a no go. Damage is a high probability if it stays at 104v for more than an instant.

There are a variety of devices you can get...some will simply cut power to the RV if it doesn't like what it sees...others will boost voltage (commonly called an autofomer), they will actually take low voltage boost it by around 10-15% and then feed the RV. There are still limits with these devices.

[pianotuna]

Anything below 107 and out comes the autoformer. I just tweaked to boost sooner as well, so now instead of a boost at 110 volts, it does it at approximately 113.

[doxiemom11]

Too many people in the park running electric heaters ,furnaces, water heaters, frig's etc on an old weak power system.

[Sam_Spade]

luberhill wrote:

Mine at home is right at 120
So why would this be different ?

Because you are not at home.
I bet the water pressure is different too.

There are no "HARD" exacting standards so it vaires some from place to place.

And the answer to your fridge question is: It depends on what model it is. If it also does propane, then the previous answer of "no harm" is right.....even with lower voltage than that. IF it is a residential unit with a compressor, the ask the manufacturer.

[Optimistic_Para]

phillyg wrote:
My recollection is common 120v can range from 110-130v, so you're okay.

I believe the official standard is 120 volts +/- 6%. 6% of 120 volts is 7.2 volts, so technically, 113 volts to 127 volts is the normal range.

[2oldman]

wnjj wrote:

2oldman wrote:

wnjj wrote:
If him turning a load on inside his RV made that much of a difference, it’s likely a connection issue at his site.

A 4 volt drop is a big difference?

I don't remember saying "big".

I wasn't quoting you, I was attempting to understand what you meant.

[wnjj]

2oldman wrote:

wnjj wrote:
If him turning a load on inside his RV made that much of a difference, it’s likely a connection issue at his site.

A 4 volt drop is a big difference?

I don't remember saying "big". The original claim was 110V which is somewhat larger, however the entire point of my posts is that you usually can't blame the campground power if the voltage inside you rig drops when you turn your own (relatively light) loads on. If it's already low when you start, it's the CG.

[RickLight]

Most utilities and therefore equipment manufacturers consider 105v to 125v completely normal. In my work I often see 125-128v in large commercial buildings.

Very very little is damaged from moderately low voltage. It might not run well, but does fine when normal is restored. Electronics stuff is listing 80-250V because all it needs is 5VDC!

If you want more details look at your equipment manuals and specs. They should all state acceptable input ranges.

[phillyg]

My recollection is common 120v can range from 110-130v, so you're okay.

[luberhill]

Gotcha thx

[2naEagle]

IMHO everyone should have a EMS. It will be working for you all the time even if your not there.

[2oldman]

wnjj wrote:
If him turning a load on inside his RV made that much of a difference, it’s likely a connection issue at his site.

A 4 volt drop is a big difference?

[MrWizard]

Ha not using the ac it’s 48 degs out,now the furnace is another story ??
It’s actually in the green but not by much
Mine at home is right at 120
So why would this be different ?
There are TWO breakers in the panel here both are on

Lots of wire between your campsite and the utility company transformer

Other people using power

creates voltage drop,

Ever lived in an old house in an old neighborhood?
Ever used 100 ft of extension cord, to power a power tool

Same thing

Your propane heater uses 12vdc for the blower
As long as your converter is working and the batteries are charged
It will work just fine
The blower uses less than 100w , only around 7 amps of 12vdc power

Portable electric heaters do not work at full heat, if the voltage is low

Fridge will cool better at voltages at or above 110v
Electric heating element does not perform well at low voltages
Should be good at 114v and 48° outside
But not when it's 100° and 100v power

Like I said in another post, I prefer propane for fridge operation
It's also more consistent heat for fridge operation

I actually like 120v compressor driven residential fridge best
But that is another topic

[wa8yxm]

110 is considered "Acceptable" 104 is not just so you know

I have. hidden inside a lovely little HUGHES autoformer. You'd be scared to see some of the POST voltages but I had like 115 indoors. No problems.

When I finally get fully set up

Post--Inlet--Hughes--HW-50C--ATS--RV